The Huntsman of Red V2

Chapter 41 The Shining Beacon (Prologue)

If Ruby noticed there was anything wrong on the way back from Anima to Vale, she did her damn best not to show it. However, she was never quite adept at schooling her features, or handling awkward silences (absolutely hated those), to begin with.

What exactly happened?

Even if she asked, Ruby had a hunch that no one would answer, or at the very least, they'd make some sort of excuse. Adults were always like that when they didn't want to share things that they thought children shouldn't know. The fact that Uncle Qrow had gone to the extent of knocking Emerald out and ferrying the two away spoke volumes.

Ruby was fidgeting, gaze focused on the floor while occasionally glancing up at the others around her. Gradually, her lips pursed, her mouth dry as she wondered how she could even attempt to break through the silence. She glanced towards Emerald, but she obviously wasn't going to be of any help when she was too busy glaring murder at Qrow for knocking her out prior.

Then who else did this leave her to seek cooperation with?

Her first choice came to mind.

Tentatively, Ruby snuck peeks towards Archer, trying to gesture at him in their 'secret code' that she'd devised in her childhood, a mix of hand and finger movements that Shirou would surely be able to understand.

Minding his own business, Shirou inwardly regretted it when he found himself glancing Ruby's way. It was like she was practically waiting for this moment and began taking action.

Shirou, wearing the guise of Archer, cringed, placing a hand over his face and glancing away in hopes that Ruby would get the message, but it only encouraged her to try harder with what she was doing. Realizing that he couldn't pretend that he hadn't noticed, Shirou looked at Ruby and resolutely shook his head to dissuade her, but Ruby nodded all the same and began signalling to him.

'Good, he noticed.' Ruby beamed while trying to convey what she needed.

'S' - Two fingers crossed and curled twice.

'O' - Thumb and pinky forming a circle on either hand.

'S' - Hands clasped together, followed by pouting helpeth me face.

"You know we can talk through our link, right?"

Ruby suddenly faltered in her actions at the reminder. She looked ridiculous, especially when the silence made all her movements especially loud. If Ruby thought that she had been subtle, she wasn't in the least.

Emerald snorted, breaking Ruby out of the odd perception that only she and Shirou were around, and making her realize that everyone was staring at her.

'M-Mission failed.'

Ruby quickly tucked her head into her shoulders, shying back and floundering. It wasn't her fault. No one was telling her anything, so what else was she supposed to do?

'Shirou, what happened?' Ruby asked inwardly once the heat died down from her face.

"Something complicated, but it's not my place to tell you."

'Please?'

"Sorry."

Well fine. Ruby brooded, crossing her arms. If no one was saying anything, then Ruby decided that she could find out on her own.

"Yang?" Ruby whispered to Yang who sat directly beside her.

Ruby thought that she'd get somewhere. It was Yang, right. They were sisters! They trusted each other, unlike uncle Qrow who kept insisting that she was too young.